EAST Renfrewshire’s MP Kirsten Oswald has backed the rights of guide dog owners who are turned away from shops, restaurants and other businesses because of their four-legged companions.

The latest data from the charity Guide Dogs on access refusals shows that this situation has been experienced by 81% of those who depend on the pooches to get around independently.

The politician voiced her support for guide dog owners at an event in parliament this week, which was organised by the charity.

Ms Oswald said: “The Guide Dogs charity has my full support and I want to make it clear that nobody should be refused entry to a business because they have an assistance dog.

“Access refusals prevent guide dog owners from living independently and can dissuade them from getting out and about.

"I am fully supportive of the Open Doors campaign which seeks to strengthen the law to prevent access refusals.”

According to the SNP MP, while in most cases refusing a working guide or other assistance dog is likely to be unlawful, the reality is that it is extremely difficult for guide dog owners to take action when refusals happen.

Apart from refusals in taxi and private hire vehicle settings, she added that it is up to the guide dog owner to take on the burden of a civil case against the business or service that has refused them.

Eleanor Briggs, head of policy, public affairs and campaigns at Guide Dogs, added: “Guide dog owners deserve to be able to live the lives they want and feel confident, independent, and supported in the world.

“However, too many guide dog owners continue to face discrimination and are turned away because they have their guide dog with them.

“That’s why we are calling for action to strengthen the law to end this unacceptable discrimination.”